Neutering

[Bunnylova4eva]

So the great debate-I'd like to get Ripley neutered and finely found a low cost spay/neuter clinic who will do it for $50 vs. our vets $450. I'm jsut trying to decide-Ripley is a great bunny, no spraying or anythign like that. Occationally (ok, alot) he circles people (me especailly) and tried to hump everything. And poops around the house a little bit, not too much. What are the chances he would ever start spraying if he hasn't ever (he's 2 wks from turning 1)

For a while I was very set on the idea, but not I'm starting to second guess myself. I'm really really worried about neutering as I've never had surgery done on one of my bunnies and am scared about them not surviving it. I know the vet is a very rabbit savvy vet, well known and has been doing rabbits for many years. However, I'm still nervous about it.

I know it can help prevent some health issues, but form what I've heard those are rare issues anyway.

Also, him humping and circling does annoy me alot sometimes, but then I've heard neutering at this age then might not make a difference on something like that as by now its probably more of a habit.

His potty habits in his cage aren't horendous (though not 100% perfect) He usually pees in the same corner (wire corner) but he poops all over in there (primarily the one corner still though) Am I correct that neutering doesn't usally correct them pooping around randomly? That's what I think I'd heard..

Is it worth neutering him? How many of you have lost bunniess under anestesia for neutering/spaying and what do you think was the main cause?

 

[Nancy McClelland]

We've had 29 females and 9 males done with no losses. We think that neutering makes a good bunny better. Ted was 8 years old and he live on for another 4 years. Mr. B was about the same age when he was neutered. The oldest female we had neutered was past 6 years.

 

[ZRabbits]

I have two neutered males and two intacted males. Neville will stay intacted because, well he needs to help make babies. But Willard isn't. The reason Willard isn't because I'm afraid of the neutering, it is because he isn't dominate, he doesn't spray, he doesn't hump at all. When he's out, he is a gentleman. He does leave a trail of poo. Which I have no problems with bunny poo. I think he's marked twice.

I agree with Larry about neutering making them "better citizens" for those that are really rowdy, but Willard isn't. He's a model citizen and I really think that he will stay intacted. I had Dobby and Kreacher neutered because I thought that was the thing to do. I have to say though, that when Dobby is out, there are no scattered poo. Kreacher likes to leave a stray or two. There is no marking. And definitely no humping.

Like I said on the tread about spaying, all operations are a risk. But if you really want Ripley to tone down that humping, and he could one day out the blue start spraying, I would go and get him neutered. It is nerve wracking, but it is quicker and less evasive for boys.

Hope this helps. Wishing you luck on your decision.

K

 

[LakeCondo]

I wish there were some data that would give guidance on this. I don't know of anything clearcut, just the vague statement that neutering a male doesn't really increase the life expectancy, while spaying does. At the age of 1, he's not that set in his ways.

I know it's hard to make a decision when you're torn, but I find it helps to arbitrarily make a decision & see how you feel about it. If you feel relieved, stick with it. If you feel anxious, switch to the other position & see how that makes you feel.

 

[MagPie]

Mia, if it helps I had Harvey neutered as an adult. As I have mentioned before he was a pest, spraying, humping, circling, etc. He actually bounced right back after being neutered. He was ready to be active and crazy the day after. Of course in my case the neutering helped a lot. His behaviour was annoying the cats a lot and I worried about his safety. The only other option I had was keeping him locked up away from the cats, which isn't what I wanted to do. I wanted him to be able to have full run of my apartment and be a part of the family.

Now he is a much more chill rabbit, and even a little sweeter to me I get groomed all the time <3